Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives in Manila for 49th ASEAN Summit

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 14, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Reutrers

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Manila on Saturday, November 14, for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, marking his first visit to the Philippines since taking office.

Carney is attending the gathering as a guest of the Philippines, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year. He is expected to deliver remarks during the summit’s plenary session, where regional leaders and international partners will discuss shared economic, security and diplomatic concerns.

Beyond the regional meetings, Carney is also seeking to advance Canada’s trade relations with Southeast Asia. His visit comes as Ottawa works to finalize a free trade agreement with ASEAN and conclude separate negotiations for a trade deal with the Philippines.

The proposed agreements are part of Canada’s broader effort to expand its economic partnerships and access new markets in the Indo-Pacific region.

Carney was also scheduled to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday, followed by a media availability.

The ASEAN leaders’ summit will formally run from November 15 to 17, with related meetings involving dialogue partners continuing through November 18. Other expected participants include United States President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The Philippines is hosting the gathering under its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, with discussions expected to cover regional cooperation and pressing international issues.